For the past six months I have been busy co-ordinating European Days of Jewish Culture and Heritage (EDJCH) for B’nai B’rith UK, which highlights the remarkable culture and heritage on display within the British Jewish community. The culmination of all the work will take place on Sunday 5th September and Sunday 12 – Wednesday 15 September when 70 venues throughout the country will open their doors to celebrate ‘Art in Judaism’.

Every year more and more people participate in EDJCH, and last year I was amazed that 15,000 people attended events in the UK, and 200,000 across Europe! We really hope that this year we can encourage even more people to take part and appreciate the rich Jewish heritage that is right on our doorsteps.

Recently, English Heritage undertook a survey of 14,500 listed places of worship to find out how many of these places were ‘at risk’ from serious disrepair. As part of this survey, Jewish Heritage UK was commissioned by English Heritage to survey the community’s 36 listed synagogues. As they fall into disrepair, less people will be able to experience the fantastic art and heritage on display at these venues. That is why this year, I am very excited about a number of events taking place giving you the opportunity to visit and experience some truly unique Jewish heritage sites, which include Sandys Row Synagogue, Hampstead Synagogue and Birmingham Singers Hill Synagogue.

Priceless illuminated manuscripts will be on display at the British Library while the ‘Old Jewish East End’ will be brought to life in a new photo exhibition at the Bancroft Road Library, in Stepney Green.

Music includes a concert by the Jewish Male Choir at the London Jewish Cultural Centre, a new event this year, and a presentation on ‘The Meaning of Selichot’ at the New London Synagogue.

There will also be a series of Reminiscence Events at Jewish Care Homes throughout September, the first time the organisation has been involved with EDJCH, whilst at Nightingale, there will be a tour, a talk and a concert on 5 September.

Details about all these events can be found at www.bbuk.org or www.jewisheritage.org Come and enjoy!

Valerie Bello
European Days of Jewish Culture and Heritage co-ordinator